Entering 5th Fleet waters marked the completion of the group's trans-Atlantic crossing, which began Aug. 27 in Norfolk, Va. Kearsarge ARG and 26th MEU began their regularly-scheduled deployment one month early to support those efforts.

Support of those efforts will be just one part of the Kearsarge ARG and 26th MEU's mission in the 5th Fleet AOR. They will also serve as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command when the Peleliu ARG completes its deployment in early November.

"We are looking forward to doing our part to help the flood victims in Pakistan," said Capt. Larry Grippin, commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4. "Our Sailors and Marines have carefully prepared to carry out this relief mission."

Marine Medium Tilt-rotor Squadron (VMM) 266 Reinforced (REIN), "Fighting Griffins," will use their MV-22 Ospreys to support the relief efforts. This tilt-rotor aircraft combines the vertical flight capabilities of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft.

"We will be providing aerial lift of supplies and personnel to help alleviate the suffering of the Pakistani people," said Marine Maj. Eric Keith, a "Fighting Griffins" pilot. "As for the deployment and our mission, everybody is pretty excited to get to our destination, knowing that the mission will make a difference for the people of Pakistan, is really uplifting."

Official U.S. Navy file photo of the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) arriving in Souda Bay, Greece, for a brief port visit en route to Pakistan. Kearsarge is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group will provide food, water, transportation, and other support to flood victims in Pakistan in support of the government there.